Hennessey crosses party lines on campaign-finance vote

On May 7, 2013, Assemb. Edward Hennessey (D-East Moriches) was the lone Long Island representative who didn’t vote with his party on the issue of providing public money to finance political campaigns. (July 25, 2012) Photo Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan

On May 7, 2013, Assemb. Edward Hennessey (D-East Moriches) was the lone Long Island representative who didn’t vote with his party on the issue of providing public money to finance political campaigns. (July 25, 2012) (Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan)

Largely along party lines, the state Assembly approved a bill, 88-50, Tuesday that would provide public money to finance political campaigns.

Supporters said the bill would reduce the influence of big-money donors in elections, revamp the state Board of Elections and limit how campaign money can be used. Opponents said public financing won’t root out corruption and that the state shouldn’t...

Supporters said the bill would reduce the influence of big-money donors in elections, revamp the state Board of Elections and limit how campaign money can be used. Opponents said public financing won’t root out corruption and that the state shouldn’t divert money that could be used for schools and transportation, among other things.

Assemb. Edward Hennessey (D-East Moriches) was the lone Long Island representative who didn’t vote with his party on the issue. Here’s how the Long Island delegation voted: